Sometime this winter I plan to buy a black handbag. In law school, and for the past two years, I’ve used a black patent leather tote for the winter. But this year I want to invest in a nice leather purse. So I’ve been keeping an eye on the fall collections, but nothing has really caught my eye. Until the Modalu Horizon.

I own a Modalu Pippa grab, in Tan, and I love it passionately. It is the nicest bag I’ve ever owned. The leather is beautiful, the compartments let me be super organized, the zipper pulls are shiny little gold seashells…I love all of it. I love it so much I considered just buying the Pippa in Black and calling it a day. But when I went to the Modalu website, I stumbled across the Horizon satchel. Observe:

Here is what I love: the gold hardware on the flap, the top handle, the structured shape, and especially the shoulder strap. While the Pippa is practically perfect in every way, I do find it a bit heavy to carry. Here’s the shoulder strap in action:

The above photos read as black to me, but the website says the bag is navy. It’s not officially available for order yet, so I’m hoping it will eventually be available in black.

Its shape is very similar to the Pippa grab. I like it, but I think I prefer the satchel. The Horizon grab pictured is black, and the leather appears to be a bit different from the satchel: pebbled rather than smooth and shiny. I prefer the smooth look, but I worry scratches would show very easily.

So I am still undecided, still shopping around for the perfect black bag. But the Modalu Horizon line is definitely on my list.

When I read this Wall Street Journal article about the new Coach “Legacy” line, I was intrigued but a little bit skeptical. I own two Coach wristlets (from my college days) and a buttery soft, chocolate brown leather hobo from the Ergo line (circa fall 2007). But in the past few years, the brand seemed to move away from the gorgeous leathers and focus more on logo-splashed sneakers and canvas totes marked to teenagers. No thanks.

However! The Legacy line is actually pretty great. I took a look this weekend, and I can see myself carrying several of these bags.

Coach Legacy Leather Patricia in Cognac. I’m not crazy about the tassels, but they appear to be removable. It’s a great size, and I love the flap design and adjustable strap. The WSJ article mentioned that the Legacy leathers are designed to develop a nice patina, which would add great character to this bag.

Coach Legacy Leather Mini Rory Bag in Carnelian. Again, not a fan of the tassels. But everything else about this satchel is perfection: the shape (described by Coach as having “a plump look”), the double straps, even the strap drop length. And this carnelian shade is just one of several super-saturated colors appearing in the Legacy collection.

Like most of the country, my state is currently experiencing an unprecedented heat wave. I find myself longing for fall: cozy sweaters, leather boots, trench coats, crisp evenings and Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Sadly I’m stuck with summer (and a summer wardrobe) for awhile longer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t prepare! I love a good tan handbag, and the color transitions beautifully from summer sundresses to fall sweaters. Here are a few of my favorites.